A new way to create molecules for drug development

Chemists at The Ohio State University have developed a new and improved way to generate molecules that can enable the design of new types of synthetic drugs.

Researchers say this new method of forming reactive intermediates called ketyl radicals offers scientists a way to use catalysts to convert simple molecules into complex structures in one chemical reaction. This is done in a less harsh, more sustainable and waste-free manner.

Strategy - Radicals - Century - Way - Access

"The previous strategy for creating ketyl radicals is about a century old. We have a found a complementary way to access ketyl radicals using LED lights for the synthesis of complex, drug-like molecules," said David Nagib, co-author of the new study and assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Ohio State. The study was published Oct. 12 in the journal Science.

The story starts with carbonyls, compounds that function as one of the most common building blocks in creating potential new drugs. Unlike classic carbonyl chemistry taught in introductory organic textbooks, when carbonyls are converted to their "radical" form, they become much more reactive. These radicals, containing an unpaired electron desperately seeking its partner, enable researchers to form new bonds, in order to create complex, drug-like products.

Formation - Substances - Reductants - Sodium - Samarium

Until now, ketyl radical formation has required strong, harsh substances called reductants, like sodium or samarium, to act as catalysts. These reductants...